International Parental Child Abduction

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International Parental Child Abduction

"Desiring to protect children internationally from the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention…as well as to secure protection for rights of access.”

--Hague Abduction Convention, Preamble

International Parental Child Abduction

International parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights. The Office of Children’s Issues within the U.S. Department of State is a leader in U.S. government efforts to prevent international parental child abduction (both from the United States and to the United States), help children and families involved in abduction cases, and promote the objectives of the Hague Abduction Convention.

If you believe your child is in the process of being abducted by a parent, legal guardian, or someone acting on their behalf, call us: 1-888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.

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